Can we use both push in and side screws of one outlet?


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Old 09-02-15, 10:56 PM
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Can we use both push in and side screws of one outlet?

'm tying into an existing outlet box to provide power for a new electrical outlet. The existing outlet already has 2 lines connected to it - one from "upstream" (to the fuse box) and one downstream to one more outlet. The existing lines are connected to the "quick connect" holes in the back of the outlet, leaving 2 open terminals on each side of the outlet. Is it okay to connect the third new line to the side terminals? Also existing outlet does not have ground wire...its old house only two wire romex but for new outlet I can use 3 wire romex (with ground) so can I use ground terminal of existing out and side screws of existing outlet to add another outlet to it?
 
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Old 09-03-15, 02:26 AM
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You can backstab but the connections are not as reliable. Best practice is to use pigtails. That is connect all three balck to 6"-8" length of wire then the same for the whites and the pigtails to the screws.

However in your case you can not. It is a code violation to extend a ungrounded circuit because all new wiring must meet current code.
Also existing outlet does not have ground wire
 

Last edited by ibpooks; 09-03-15 at 05:47 AM. Reason: 8' would be quite a pigtail!
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Old 09-03-15, 06:49 AM
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...its old house only two wire romex
What year and do you have metal boxes?

Some older houses with NM cable have the ground wire attached to the back of the metal box using a machine screw and nut.

If you get lucky, you might have a ground. Use a meter and test from hot to box and see if you have ~120V. Also look in back of box for the head of the machine screw to give you a clue.

It's also possible for old Bakelite boxes to have grounds hidden behind box.
 
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Old 09-03-15, 08:38 AM
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The box may not be large enough for a third cable.
 
 

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